inability to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inability to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's lack of capacity or capability to provide a response to a question or situation. Example: "The inability to answer the question left the audience feeling confused and unsatisfied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's the same inability to answer".

The New York Times

The inability to answer those questions doesn't mean a lack of caring or support.

The New York Times

I think his inability to answer that question — how do you pay for it?

The Washington Post

Most arguments over antiterrorism policy reflect an inability to answer that question to the satisfaction of one's adversaries.

The New York Times - Books

An inability to answer that question would complicate their efforts to assess North Korea's nuclear weapons capabilities.

The New York Times

Our inability to answer fundamental questions about the invocation of evil in our public discourse has only increased human suffering.

The New York Times

Well -- so, because of that, Judge, we will not hold your inability to answer the question against you.

The Washington Post

"We are disturbed by the administration's continued inability to answer even the most basic questions about the Benghazi attack and the administration's response," the senators said.

The New York Times

However, their leader, Gerry Adams, has thus far performed poorly on television and radio, showing an inability to answer detailed questions about the republic's economy.

The Guardian

They long agonized over a split identity, and perhaps suffered through high school with their inability to answer the question "Where are you from?" Now it's payback time.

The New York Times

Until then, Perry had seemed glum and witless, especially in debates, heartbroken by his inability to answer a simple question with a coherent reply.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inability to answer", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the inability stems from a lack of knowledge, understanding, or some other impediment. Providing this context can improve clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "inability to answer" when the situation is actually a refusal to answer. The former indicates a lack of capacity, while the latter implies a deliberate choice not to respond. Using the wrong phrase can misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inability to answer" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state or condition of being unable to provide a response. As Ludwig AI suggests, this commonly reflects a lack of capacity or capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inability to answer" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression to describe the state of being unable to provide a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, indicating a lack of capacity or capability. It's crucial to differentiate it from "refusal to answer", which implies a deliberate choice not to respond. Common usage appears in news, science and business contexts. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "failure to respond" or "lack of response". Overall, "inability to answer" effectively conveys a lack of capacity to provide an answer, whether due to a lack of knowledge, a physical impediment or other limiting factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot answer

A more direct and simple way of expressing the same idea.

unable to respond

Focuses on the general lack of capacity to give any type of response.

failure to respond

Focuses on the act of not providing a response, rather than the capacity.

lack of response

Highlights the absence of a reply or reaction.

unresponsive

Indicates a lack of reaction or answer to a question or stimulus.

incapacity to reply

Emphasizes a lack of legal or physical ability to formulate a response.

failure to provide an answer

Highlights the lack of an answer being furnished.

without a reply

Emphasizes the state of not having given an answer.

at a loss for words

Indicates a temporary inability to speak or answer, often due to surprise or confusion.

speechless

Highlights the absence of speech, implying an inability to articulate a response.

FAQs

How can I use "inability to answer" in a sentence?

You can use "inability to answer" to describe situations where someone lacks the capacity to provide an answer, such as "The witness's "inability to answer" the question made the jury suspicious".

What's a formal alternative to "inability to answer"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "failure to respond" or "lack of response" as alternatives to "inability to answer".

Is it better to say "inability to answer" or "unable to answer"?

"Inability to answer" and "unable to answer" are often interchangeable, but "inability to answer" is slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. Consider other alternatives like "failure to respond".

When should I use "inability to answer" versus "refusal to answer"?

Use "inability to answer" when someone is genuinely incapable of providing an answer due to lack of knowledge, understanding, or capacity. Use "refusal to answer" when someone is deliberately choosing not to answer, even if they have the knowledge. The distinction is whether the obstacle is capacity or choice. If someone has deliberately chosen not to answer, you can also use alternative like "declined to answer".